Anger in Cooper’s Pen

COOPER’S PEN, Trelawny — Residents here whose homes were demolished on August 11 say they are being forced to choose between accepting relocation grants they have not yet received and moving their tents and belongings temporarily to a site in New Town, Salt Marsh, for two weeks, with no clear indication of what will happen afterwards.

The residents, who have lived in tents since their homes were demolished, say they had been told by government officials to leave by today, Saturday, September 19. They have opted for the grants but insist they will not move until the money is deposited into their accounts.

The Government’s response to the demolition initially included humanitarian assistance for approximately 44 affected families, with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and other agencies providing emergency support.